Resources

Although we have checked each of these sites for content appropriateness before providing the links below, the Virginia General Assembly is not responsible for the information contained within any of the following web sites, pages linked from these sites, or for any changes made to these web sites since their inclusion on this list. We offer these links solely as a service to citizens.

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The American Democracy game was developed by the National Conference of State Legislatures to help the public; primarily students in grades 6-8, better understand the working of representative democracy.

The Center for Civic Education is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to promoting an enlightened and responsible citizenry committed to democratic principles and actively engaged in the practice of democracy in the United States and other countries.

To learn more about the Executive Mansion, Virginia's Governors, the State of Virginia, and how to take a tour. If you are unable to visit in person the Explore section will show more images of the rooms, and additional information about the house and people who live there.

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The U.S. Courts are an independent judiciary providing fair and impartial justice within the jurisdiction conferred by the Constitution and Congress. The teacher and student link offers interactive court simulations, national initiatives, constitution resources, and other multimedia options.

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Founded by retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, iCivics prepares young Americans to become knowledgeable, engaged 21st century citizens by creating free and innovative educational materials.

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Experience the story of America's beginnings – from the founding of America's first permanent English colony in 1607 to the Revolution and the establishment of a new nation almost two centuries later. Explore the museums' exhibition galleries and learn about life in the 17th and 18th centuries in the outdoor living-history areas. Outreach education programs bring history into the classroom and videos, audio, and podcasts offer multimedia learning opportunities.

The John Marshall Foundation is an organization that sponsors educational and public interest programs or other activities in the fields of law, government, history and public affairs to promote a greater public understanding of Chief Justice John Marshall and his many contributions and accomplishments related to the foundation of our nation. Education programs include Justice in the Classroom and National Teachers Seminar.

The Library of Virginia, with more than 110 million manuscript items, is the most comprehensive resource in the world for the study of Virginia history, culture, and government. Link to "Virginia Memory" for educator information and resources.

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Morven Park's Center for Civic Impact offers programs to assist teachers and K-12 youth the skills for active citizenship. Programs take place at Morven Park (a 1,000 acres historic site), in class, at after school clubs, and online (coming soon!).

Learn about the U.S. Constitution through multimedia exhibitions, performances, public programs and educational resources. The National Constitution Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution for the Constitution.

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The Our Documents initiative is a cooperative effort among National History Day, The National Archives and Records Administration, and USA Freedom Corps. The site explores 100 milestone documents of American history.

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Rock the Vote is dedicated to building the political power of young people by engaging them in the electoral process, urging politicians to pay attention to issues that matter to young voters, and protecting their fundamental right to vote.

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Find your Representatives, follow session, legislation, and committees, visit the U.S. Capitol, and learn the history of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Kids in the House website provides educational and entertaining information about the legislative branch of the United States Government to students of all ages. Topics covered include the role of the U.S. House of Representatives, the legislative process, and House history.

The State Board of Elections (SBE) was created in 1946 as a bipartisan agency responsible for ensuring uniformity, fairness, accuracy and purity in all elections in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The website offers information on voter registration, voting, absentee voting, elections and candidates, polling places, campaign finance disclosure, and online services.

The General Assembly has released a virtual tours website that brings Virginia's State Capitol to the citizens of Virginia. The website provides online tours of both the Capitol Grounds and the Capitol Building. Visitors to this interactive website will have the ability to explore areas on their own or view video presentations.

Please note the virtual tours website requires the Adobe Flash Player. For visitors with special needs, an accessible segment of this website has been created for those visitors who use technology other than standard web browsers to view web content.

Virginia's judicial system is comprised of the Supreme Court of Virginia, the Court of Appeals of Virginia, circuit courts in thirty-one judicial circuits, general district and juvenile and domestic relations district courts in thirty-two districts, and magistrates in offices in thirty-two districts. The education links for teachers and students includes Journey Through Justice, an interactive website about the oldest judicial system in America where one can explore how every Virginian, as active and responsible citizens, helps to make the courts work.

The Virginia War Memorial is the Commonwealth of Virginia's monument to honor the memory of Virginia's men and women who demonstrated a willingness to serve and fight to defend our way of life from World War II to the present. The Memorial offers exhibits, an education center, and tours.

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The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. Learn more about its art and architecture, the Presidents and First Ladies who have lived there, and how you can take a virtual tour.